May 31, 2023 | Tech Monitor |
The UK government has pledged up to £30 million in funding for agritech projects aimed at boosting food production and moving towards net-zero emissions. The projects will explore the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and automation to increase yields and make the agricultural sector more resilient. Over 50 projects have been awarded funding through the joint initiative between the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The funding includes competitions focused on climate-focused solutions, farming technology, and early-stage research and development concepts. An additional £12.5 million is available through the On-Farm Environmental Resilience competition to support the development of new technologies and farming methods to detect pests, manage diseases, reduce fertilizer use, and address threats from extreme weather. The initiatives aim to drive innovation and create a sustainable agriculture sector for the future.